Safety is the number one priority for all handlers and the strong desire to reduce damage to aircraft on the ground is an ongoing goal shared by all handlers.
ISAGO (IATA Safety Audit for Ground Operations) is IATA's solution to this problem but is it the right approach? To quote from the IATA 2006 annual report, "The programme analyses ground-handling processes to identify the cause and effect of ground damage. It then helps in developing operating procedures and a safety culture to reduce damage and associated costs."
I do not think our industry needs a third party organisation to "identify the cause and effect of ground damage".
Many handlers will argue that if handling profit margins remain thin, resources cannot be devoted to additional training because the ground handling industry, as a global employer, cannot attract and retain high calibre ramp workers.
Does the ground handling industry need ISAGO? If not, what are the alternatives?
Tim Ornellas
Ground Handling International
